Q & A : How an INFJ survives the 9–5

A big challenge for the INFJ in working 9–5 is the constant ON required to work this way, but this is unavoidable some times, so what can an INFJ do to keep themselves from imploding?

I decided to chat with a fellow INFJ, who works in digital technology on how one can survive the 9–5. Enjoy.

What do you look for in a job in terms of how it should affect you and affect others

F: It is important to me that I’m solving problems at any job I’m in and that I’m having measurable wins, I need to know that I am helping others.

A: Work for me has to combine a high level of autonomy, low levels of political struggle, lots of creative challenges and a strong element of helping others which is why UX works out great for me as INFJ. But it’s hard to know what a workplace would be like without being inside the system.

Q: How do you weigh the pros and cons of interacting with people.

F: Without any conscious effort my interaction with others is based on a “Is there any need for this chat” meter. In terms of pros, I’m happy others provide answers I require to get my job done. For cons, it’s when it starts to get light-hearted, they might gossip a little which I am not interested in and I know I would have to cut it short. Sometimes they cut it short when they realize I am not interested.

A: Small talk is a challenge, if what we are chatting about isn’t going to directly help you or make us laugh, it’s hard to stay in a conversation. I’ve learned though that small talk can be useful in measures but please not all the time. Anything that can be discussed via email or IM will be done. I save face to face interactions for the most important things, discussing a new idea, solving a challenge or having a laugh.

What do you do when you’ve had a lot of interaction in one day

F: During the day I find myself needing a break from interaction, a little time to just breath in and breath out all by myself, sometimes in the loo. I find that if I don’t get this, I start to demand direct answers to enquiries, get straight to the point please

A: For me, it’s all about external stimuli that drains my energy, from light to sounds in the workplace. During the day I go to the loo for 5 mins break from everything. I use headphones when I can. I would rather be up and about than stuck behind a desk. I have a huge need to be outdoors, so taking a break outside the office, helps. After work, I try to make sure I have at least 2 hrs to myself, so that I can recharge and eliminate irritation. Food is also a good de-stressor.

Are you an INFJ? how do you survive the 9–5, let us know :)